Do you know how to use a computer? Under a certain age, that question sounds ridiculous. Those words will be even more foreign by the time your kid becomes an adult. Using computers is something people simply do.

But not all computers, or the operating systems that run them, are created equal. Nor are they neutral. The software we use influences our values, assumptions, and skills. What habits and morals do you want to pass to your kids?

This is about slightly older kids, those ready to figure out a keyboard. The OS they use matters, and Linux might be the best one to start them off with. Let’s talk about why.

1. Linux Doesn’t Treat You Like a Consumer

Many of us live in consumption-based societies. Advertisements bombard us our entire lives, encouraging us to buy more, own more, and hoard more. There isn’t a problem that can’t be solved by buying one more thing.

On Windows and Mac OS X, this situation is no different. While you don’t have to, both expect you to purchase most of your applications. This means more ads.

As your child uses a computer, they will be told they need to buy more apps and games. The situation is significantly worse on smartphones and tablets. This will hit your wallet, sure, but it also fosters more consumption and digital hoarding. The computer joins your TV and other media in teaching your child how to be a consumer.

On Linux, your kid will still hit a point where they want more software, but when that time comes, they won’t need to ask for your credit card. As long as their account has permission, they can head to the repos and download additional software for free. This changes the relationship between them and their computer. It’s no longer another way for them to spend money. Instead, the computer is a tool, one that encourages creativity and exploration.

And that’s just the beginning.

2. Linux Encourages Giving and Sharing

Share your toys! Parents of siblings know how this issue inevitably arises. But the message is an important one. At such a young age, few would argue that kids should learn the importance of hoarding and selfishness over sharing.

Linux flips the script. Without having to spend money on software, apps feel less like products and more like extensions of the computer. Your child will grow up with the concept of software being something developers create for others’ benefit.

If your kid takes up coding some day10 Tools To Get Kids Excited About Programming10 Tools To Get Kids Excited About ProgrammingFor the average kid, computers and smartphones are fun tools. Education comes much later. Getting a kid excited about programming might take some doing because logic needs a bit of time to develop. It is...Read More, they make view the act as a way to expand on what a computer can do. They may feel compelled to share the results with others, much like members of the scientific community. They may contribute back to a broader community, rather than view their skills as a way to create an app that will make them rich some day.

4. Kids are Free to Experiment

PCs are wonderful devices. No other tool provides the means to write a novel, draw a comic, produce a song, create a game, and make a video all in one place.

On commercial operating systems, the software needed to express this creativity can cost quite a bit of money. Sometimes the price tag extends into the hundreds of dollars.

On Linux, the tools are free. True, some of these applications don’t quite compare to their commercial counterparts. But we’re talking about kids here, not professionals. Plus if your child grows up learning how to produce quality work using free software, that will save them money down the line. Expressing their creativity will be less dependent on the size of their income, which empowers them to be more creative.

6. Linux Protects Kids from Malware

Viruses have targeted Windows for decades. The operating system is more secure now, but there’s still the risk of compromising your machine by installing software from an untrustworthy source. If your kids are older, they may stumble onto a dangerous email attachment. Maybe that folder of music a friend sent them wasn’t from the safest of sites. Some kids figure out how to safely navigate around these threats, but that isn’t always the case.

Linux isn’t 100% free of malicious softwareIs Linux Really as Secure as You Think It Is?Is Linux Really as Secure as You Think It Is?Linux is often touted as the most secure operating system you can get your hands onto, but is this really the case? Let's take a look at different aspects of Linux computer security.Read More, but it is a significantly safer computing environment. Your child will still need to know how to avoid phishing and other social engineered attacks, but many of the internet’s threats will no longer apply. This is without installing any anti-virus software, which you can still do if you want, if for no other reason than to help protect any Windows computers that may share your home network.

But this isn’t a roadblock. Since schools don’t know whether each child has a computer at home, they either supply computer labs or distribute laptops themselves. The vast majority of assignments, such as typing a paper or creating a presentation, don’t need Microsoft Office. A free alternative such as LibreOffice will do the job just as well, if not betterIs LibreOffice Worthy of the Office Crown?Is LibreOffice Worthy of the Office Crown?LibreOffice is the king of free office suites. It's unlikely to replace Microsoft Office in a business environment, but it's an excellent alternative for casual users. Here's what's new in LibreOffice 5.1.Read More. The interface won’t be the same as what your child learns at school, but knowing how to navigate similar applications is an educational experience and useful skill all its own.

So, what say you? Have your kids ever used a Linux desktop? Do you think they would be receptive? Would they even notice? And if you’re unfamiliar with Linux yourself, maybe that would be a good place to start. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

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Mike

January 15, 2017 at 12:29 pm

Good article. My son had a Linux machine since he was 5 and I'm very impressed with all things he has created with it. Specifically, the distribution that has had all this time is Picaros Diego, highly recommended, I like it does not treat children as if they were monkeys, but it is easy to use and has a lot (A LOT) of software installed.
I think it is a Spanish distribution, because sometimes I found messages don't translated, but anyway, worth it.

Should point out that while most software is free, there are some software that requires payment. Most PCs will run Linux quite well dual booting with Windows as a backup if you need Windows only software. Most Linux these days is as easy to use or easier than Windows, but be careful are few aren't. Linux also comes with most software you need already installed and everything is automatically updated when needed.

That is all well and good but you are neglecting the 800 lbs gorilla in the room. Sooner of later we all come to a point when we must use Windows. Whether at work or at school, companies that accept document only in MS formats, apps that only exist on Windows, etc.

I started out my kids at the age of 5 or 6 playing games on an old Apple II+. When they went to school, they used Macs (our school system has some kind of an arrangement with Apple where we get Apple stuff at a great discount). So, by default they learned Mac O/S. At some point during their school careers I switched my home computing from Windows to Linux. They both started using my Linux computer to do things they were not allowed to do on school Macs. So, by default, they learned Linux. In the meantime, both kids got to use some Windows computers here and there. So they had to learn Windows, The school year my older graduated, the middle and high school loaned the kids Mac laptops for the duration of the school year. My younger had use of a school laptop for 5 years. Before both went to college,I had to buy them laptops which naturally came with Windows. Both colleges required either Windows or or OS/X computers. They were not prepared to cater to Linux.

While my kids were using Linux, they preferred it over Windows or Apple. However, they are now strictly Windows users because they were forced by circumstances to to use Windows file formats and Windows applications. My older one is now in grad school and is required to use Windows. My younger one took several photography course and has a couple of thousands of photos in Photoshop. For her to convert all those photos to Linux and GIMP would be a monumental task. Besides, she wants to go into professional photography and Photoshop, and other Adobe products, are the photo industry's standards. So, even though they know Linux, my kids have to use Windows whether they like it or not. I'm sure there are many people in the same situation.

Bertel both earned a college degree (in the humanities) and built a career using Linux-powered laptops. Now he uses his education and life experience to question the ethical decisions behind today's technology. He advocates the use of free software and believes computing should be accessible to all regardless of economic…